ST. PHILOMENA’S COLLEGE(AUTONOMOUS), MYSORE
NSS SPECIAL ANNUAL CAMP 2024-25
REPORT
On the 5th of March 2025, Dr. Ravi J D Saldanha, the Principal of St. Philomena’s College, Mysore, along with NSS Officer Mr. Johnson Arul Raj. L, Asst. Prof Dept of English,Co-ordinator Ms. Jenifer Priya M Asst. Prof Dept of English, Captain Ms. Priyanka Olivera Asst. Prof Dept of Management and Mr. Mathew C Asst. Prof Dept of Social Work, conducted a site visit to Thumbala Grama,T.NarasipuraTaluk, Mysore District. The purpose of the visit was to verify and oversee all necessary arrangements made in preparation for the 7-day NSS Annual Special camp, which will be held from 6th March to 12th March 2025.
INTRODUCTION
The NSS(National Service Scheme) special camp for the academic year 2024-25 was held from 6th March 2025 to 12th March 2025 at a rural location,Thumbala Grama,
T.NarasipuraTaluk, Mysore District. This camp aimed to instill social responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and service-oriented learning among the volunteers. The week-long camp included various activities such as community service, cultural programs, awareness campaigns, and skill development sessions.
DAY 1: 6th March 2025
The volunteers gathered in the college auditorium at
1:30 pm for an introductory meeting. The session was attended by the Rector, Rev.Dr.Lourd Prasad Joseph, Rev Fr. Gnanapragasam, Campus Administrator, Rev. Fr. David Sagayaraj, Asst. to Rector, Our BelovedPrincipal, Dr. Ravi J D Saldanha,NSS Officer Mr. Johnson Arul Raj. L, Asst.Prof Dept of English, along with NSS Co-ordinator Ms. Roopa Selveria J, Asst.Prof Dept of English, Asst. Co-ordinator Ms. Jenifer Priya M Asst.Prof Dept of English, CaptainMs.Priyanka Olivera Asst.Prof Dept of Management, Vice-Captain Mr. Ajay Anthony Asst.Prof Dept of Computer Application,
Ms.Deepthy Asst.Prof Dept of Social Work, Mr. Mathew C Asst.Prof Dept of Social Work,
Ms. Neethu C J Asst.Prof Dept of Mathematics, Mr KudureYallappa Asst.Prof Dept of Political Science,Ms. Nithya Johnson Asst.Prof Dept of Psychology, Ms. Ashwini Joseph Asst.Prof Dept of Criminology and Forensic Science, and volunteers. Basic necessities such as gloves, caps, books, and pens were distributed to the participants.
After the meeting, attendance was taken on the bus at 3:45 pm, and the journey to the camp location began.
Upon arrival, the first stop was the girls’ accommodation, where they were briefed on their stay arrangements. The boys were then taken to their designated accommodation at a nearby school. Following this, the volunteers engaged in cleaning the school premises.
Inauguration and Orientation
The inaugural ceremony of the camp was conducted in the presence of the Rector and Principal of St. Philomena’s College, along with villagers, NSS Committee members, and volunteers. The Emcee of the event was Ayush of 2nd year BCA. Itbegan with a welcome speech by Shweta of 1st year BA. The NSS anthem was sung by the volunteers, followed by addresses from the Rector, Principal, and a village guest.They emphasized the importance of NSS and community service. Volunteers were divided into groups and given responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination throughout the camp.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of thanks by Catherine of 2nd year BSc, and a group photograph of all participants was taken at around 7:20 pm.
Later, Sir Johnson provided guidelines regarding the camp schedule and activities. The volunteers then gathered for dinner before dispersing to their respective accommodations.
DAY 2: 7th March 2025
The day began with the flag hoisting ceremony at
6:25 am, followed by an address by the Chief Guest. Volunteers were divided into groups, and each team selected a leader. A brief meditation session was conducted before proceeding to breakfast.
Post-breakfast, volunteers undertook cleaning activities in and around the school. The students worked diligently until noon, after which they had lunch and took some rest.
Health & Hygiene Awareness Program
A health awareness program was conducted, where medical professionals educated the villagers on basic hygiene, nutrition, and first aid. NSS volunteers actively participated in household visits, distributing informative pamphlets.
Cleanliness Drive
Volunteers took part in a cleanliness drive around the village, focusing on proper waste disposal, water conservation, and sanitation.
Later, they started preparing for the cultural program scheduled for the evening.
At 5:00 pm, the volunteers gathered for the event, which began with a welcome speech. The evening was filled with cultural performances, including Stage plays, skits, songs, and dance performances by different teams.
After the program, volunteers had dinner and reflected on the day’s experience.
DAY 3: 8th March, 2025
The day started with flag hoisting and breakfast.
Later, the volunteers participated in a cleanliness drive at the nearest bus stop, ensuring the area was thoroughly cleaned. Some students also picked up plastic waste and other litter near ‘Ashish Darshan,’ the girls’ accommodation.
Soon after lunch, thestudents prepared for the cultural program. A guest speaker from Ashish Darshan conducted a special session, after which students gathered in their respective groups for rehearsals.
At 6:00 pm, the cultural evening began, marking a special occasion as it was “InternationalWomen’s Day”. The chief guests were women who were achievers in different fields,addressed the gathering, and were honoured. Volunteers performed various cultural activities, including dance, music, skits, and mimes.
Each group was assigned daily responsibilities, including kitchen duties and organizing cultural events.
The day ended with dinner and a review session where one participant from each group shared their experiences.
DAY 4: 9th March 2025
The boys conducted the morning flag hoisting ceremony. The day’s main activity involved preparing charts and posters for an awareness rally scheduled in the evening. Every volunteer actively contributed to creating visually impactful posters.
After lunch, students rested before gathering for the village rally in the evening. The rally aimed to spread awareness about social issues, and the volunteers
co-operated seamlessly.
Post-rally, all volunteers gathered at the school for recreational activities, including fun games and balloon contests.
The day concluded with dinner and a reflection session where groups shared their experiences.
DAY 5: 10th March 2025
The highlight of the day was an excursion to a paddy field, which provided a unique learning experience for the volunteers. At 7:30 am, students reached the field, where a village farmer gave a brief introduction. For many students, it was their first time engaging in farming activities. After completing their assigned tasks, they took photographs with the farmers to cherish their experience.
The volunteers then walked back to their accommodation for breakfast. Post-breakfast, they were given instructions regarding an upcoming eye check-up camp.
In the afternoon, students gathered at the village meeting hall, where they received a briefing about the
eye check-up camp. They later assisted villagers with eye check-ups and other activities, making the initiative highly beneficial for the community.
After lunch, volunteers practiced for thecultural program to be conducted in the evening, which commenced at 6:00 pm.
Eye Check-Up Camp (In collaboration with Nethradhama Eye Hospital, Mysuru)
A free eye check-up camp was organized in collaboration with Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Mysuru. Doctors examined villagers and provided free consultation and spectacles to those in need.
DAY 6: 11th March 2025
Flag hoisting was conducted in the morning, in the presence of Br. Dolphy. A short meditation session was held before breakfast.
Trekking & Meditation at Kampadarama Betta
The volunteers then embarked on a trek to Kampadarama Betta, accompanied by our faculty members,Mr. Johnson, Ms. Priyanka, Mr.Ajay, Mr. Mathew, Mr.Yallappa, Ms. Vidya and Ms. Nithya.The students hiked up to the temple at the peak.
As part of a symbolic activity, boys carried stone bricks up the hill. Upon reaching the summit, students were awestruck by the scenic view. They observed the surroundings and took photographs before dividing into groups for a discussion led by the teachers.
After lunch, volunteers relaxed for a while before gathering for a campfire. Around the campfire, volunteers shared their experiences and reflections on the time they spent at the camp.
The day concluded with dinner and a review session.
DAY 7: 12th March 2025
Valedictory Ceremony&ClosingRemarks
The final day of the camp began with a Valediction Ceremony in the school hall. The ceremony was presided over by Rev Fr. Gnanapragasam, Campus Administrator,
In the presence of Rev. Fr. David Sagayaraj, Asst. to Rector, Our Principal, Dr. Ravi J D Saldanha, Bro. Dolphy, NSS Officer Mr. Johnson Arul Raj. L, Asst. Prof Dept of English, Asst. Co-ordinator Ms. Jenifer Priya M Asst. Prof Dept of English, Captain Ms. Priyanka Olivera Asst. Prof Dept of Management, Vice-Captain Mr. Ajay Anthony Asst. Prof Dept of Computer Application,
Ms. Deepthy Asst. Prof Dept of Social Work, Mr. Mathew C Asst. Prof Dept of Social Work, Mr KudureYallappa Asst. Prof Dept of Political Science,Ms. Nithya Johnson Asst. Prof Dept of Psychology, and volunteers together with the village representatives, Mr. Dhananjaya PDO, Mr. Shashidhar, Mr. Siddharaju, Mr. Revanna, the Chief guests addressed the gathering and were honoured for their contributions. Certificates were distributed to the participants.
Volunteers cleaned their accommodations and packed their belongings. After lunch, they boarded the bus for the return journey. Celebrating their successful camp experience, students danced and sang on their way back to college.
Upon arrival at the auditorium, attendance was taken, and volunteers dispersed.
The NSS Camp was an unforgettable experience that fostered friendship, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of community. The highlight was the bond created among individuals from diverse backgrounds, languages, and age groups.
Conclusion
The NSS Camp provided a platform for students to develop leadership, teamwork, and community service skills. Through activities like cleanliness drives, social awareness campaigns, and cultural programs, volunteers gained invaluable experiences. The camp not only strengthened their sense of responsibility but also instilled in them a deeper appreciation for rural life and social service.
